4K LASER PROJECTION GOES PORTABLE WITH LG

9th January, 2018

Is it a plant stand? Is it a stylish ashtray? No, it’s a rather smart portable 4K projector.

Any enthusiast looking for a projector in 2018 is likely to covet a 4K design, but although things are improving, traditionally projectors that support 4K tend to be heavy, expensive and cumbersome to install.

LG has set out to change all that, and with the HU80KA they have done a great job of downsizing a 4K projector without sacrificing image quality.

And they've come up with a unique device that is half the size of competing projectors with all relevant features included. The portable design, carry handle, built-in speakers, and wireless streaming, make it easy to set up a cinema anywhere in the home, take it to friends for dinner, or just lock the kids in the basement (willingly of course!) with a movie.

The compact tower design is made possible by an I-shaped laser light engine using Texas Instruments’ 4K/UHD DLP technology, firing directly ahead or into the mirror lid at the end of the enclosure.

This allows the projector to be used on the floor, mounted on the wall or hanging from the ceiling. The light-engine is extremely bright and can project a 150-inch image at 2,500 lumens, so rooms need not be 100% blacked out and with a laser source there is no need to worry about lamp life either.

Sensibly LG’s webOS 3.5 TV interface is used, making this a ’Smart’ projector, able to easily access online streaming services offering 4K content such as Netflix.

Standard connectivity options include ports for USB, Ethernet, and HDMI ARC, as well as Bluetooth support for external devices such as a keyboard, mouse and additional speakers.

According to LG:

With a convenient carrying handle and Auto Cord feature, owners may never want to mount the LG 4K UHD projector since it looks great in any room for any occasion. What’s more, the Mirror Reflector can be used as a lens cover to protect the projector from dust when stored away. Two powerful yet clear 7W speakers deliver a true cinematic audio experience without the need for external speakers or a soundbar.

The size and flexibility tick most of our boxes, although a lot depends on the final pricing.

Written by:

Rob Follis has been writing about tech on and off for over 40 years, is a designer, photographer, information omnivore, gadget-head, Hi-Fi afficionado, owner of far far too many things and sadly an unsuccessful app developer. A born & bred Londoner now happily living in Melbourne. Email Rob.

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